Can a Continuing Education Class lead to Your Next Job? [Part 2 / 2]

15 November 2009 334 views No Comment

In the last article in this series we discussed two of the values of continuing education: demonstrating self-motivation and expanding your subject matter knowledge. In this article, we will conclude this thought by demonstrating the greatest impacts continuing education can have on your job search: Expanding your network & additional job search services provided by the educator.

Expand your network – Continuing education often appeals to niche groups in the business world. Some courses are designed for business leaders, other for mechanics, others for advanced accountants. The people who attend these courses are likely to be your peers. Additionally, the majority of people who attend continuing education are doing so at the expense of their employer. This means that most of your classmates will be people in your industry that work for companies that hire people just like you. Not only does this expand your network, but it expands your network to the right kind of people.

Building your network this way leads to key benefits:

Insider information about job openings. This means you will have less competition for the job.
Insider referrals. Often times when a job opens up, the hiring manager will ask the team if they know of anyone looking for a job who can fit the need. In these cases, the people referred by an employee walk into the interview 3 to 5 times better chances of landing the job.
Insider references. Time with your classmates will allow you to demonstrate your skills without bragging. You will also have a chance to convince them that you are a good person to work with. Then, if you interview at a classmate’s employer, they will be very likely to stand up and support the decision to hire you.

Employment services – In addition to providing networking an education, most continuing education providers offer some form of employment service. The moment you enroll, you can talk to the employees who manage these services. As you attend class, this third party is searching for positions that match the needs of yourself and your classmates. Essentially, you are outsourcing some portion of the job hunt to a third party that costs you nothing and is experienced in the art of searching for jobs.

In general, continuing education will increase the odds of getting a new job. It will give you a real advantage over the competition. It will expand your expertise on a given subject. It will expand your network by building solid, long-lasting relationships. Just be careful when selecting a continuing education provider and any courses they offer.

Most importantly, remember to be on your best behavior when attending a continuing education course. Essential every class is a chance to shine; every encounter with a classmate a miniature interview for some future, unknown opportunity. Every course you complete successfully moves you one step closer to your next position.

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